Monty Don hosted the first of four special winter episodes of Gardeners' World this evening, focusing on essential gardening tasks for the month. He demonstrated how to plant tulip bulbs for a thriving spring display, regardless of soil type. The BBC Two show host suggested using pots to avoid common drainage problems.
Monty explained that while winter can feel like the gardening season 'closes', there is always something to do and look at. He showed viewers how to plant a selection of colourful tulips ahead of spring, stating: 'Now is tulip planting time. You can plant tulips any time up to Christmas without any problem whatsoever.'
While spring bulbs are ideal for planting directly into flowerbeds, Monty explained that pots are better in some cases. He said: 'Tulips need really good drainage. But if you have heavy clay soil like I have, that can be a bit of a problem.' Planting in pots allows you to 'create the drainage they love' by making holes and using textured, earthy soil.
Monty used a large terracotta pot, placing crocks in the bottom to stop soil from leaking out. He filled the pot with a mix of peat-free compost and half as much again of grit to make it 'really, really gritty'. He demonstrated the 'lasagna' method with three types of tulips: Carnaval de Nice, Monton, and Dordogne, layering them and cramming as many bulbs as possible without them touching.
For gardeners struggling with pests, Monty advised: 'If squirrels or even rats are a problem digging up your bulbs, I find if you get some chicken wire and scrumple it up and wedge it in, that’s pretty good at deterring all but the most determined squirrel.' He added that following these tips will keep bulbs safe until blooms emerge from mid-April into May.
